h 


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MISSIONARY  INTELLIGENCE; 


BEING  PARTS 


OF 


TWO  REPORTS 


OF  THE 

STANDING  COMMITTEE  OF  MISSIONS, 


TO  THE 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLE 


OF  THE 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IN  THE 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


5IADE  ONE  IN  1812,  AND  THE  OTHER  IN  1813, 


PHILADELPHIA: 

printed  Br  Thomas  and  william  Bradford , no,  8, 

SOUTH  FRONT  STREET t 


1813. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  first  part  of  this  pamphlet , contains  selections  front 
a report  made  by  the  Committee  of  Missions , to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  on  the  journals  of  36  missionaries,  appointed, 
for  the  year  ending  in  May  1812 : and  the  second  part  con- 
tains, selections  from  a report  made  by  the  committee  to  the 
General  Assembly,  on  the  journals  of  28  missionnaries, 
who  performed  missions  in  the  year  ending  in  May  1813. 
These  selections  comprize  but  a small  part  of  the  two  reports. 
Much  more  interesting  matter  might  have  been  taken  from 
them  for  publication.  But  brevity  has  been  consulted  ; and 
what  is  here  presented  to  the  Churches,  will  suffice  to  show 
how  usefully  their  collections  for  missionary  purpose 5, 
are  employed  by  the  General  Assembly. 


MISSIONARY  INTELLIGENCE,  & c. 

PART  I. 


FROM  TIIF  JOURNALS  OF  YOUR  MISSIONARIES,  TO  WHICH 
THE  COMMITTEE  BEG  LEAVE  NOW  TO  DIRECT  THE 
ATTENTION  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY,  IT  WILL  BE  SEEN, 
THAT  GOD  IS  PLEASED  TO  SMILE  UPON  THE  PIOUS 
AND  BENEVOLENT  WORK,  IN  WHICH  OUR  CHURCHES 
ARE  ENGAGED;  AND  THAT  ENCOURAGEMENT  IS  AF- 
FORDED TO  PROSECUTE  IT,  WITH  GROWING  ZEAL,  AND 
PERSEVERING  ACTIVITY  AND  LIBERALITY. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Ayer  was  appointed  a missiona- 
ry, for  two  months,  and  spent  his  time,  agreeably  to  the 
direction  of  the  Presbytery  of  Geneva,  in  the  Holland  pur- 
chase. He  travelled  512  miles,  preached  55  times,  attend- 
ed 7 conferences,  visited  36  families,  admitted  10  persons 
into  full  communion,  and  administered  the  Lord’s  supper  * 
times.  The  labours  of  this  missionary  seem  to  have  been 
blest.  Deep  solemnity  reigned  over  several  assemblies, 
to  which  he  ministered.  At  the  close  of  the  exercises,  on 
one  occasion,  a man,  whose  mind  had  been  deeply  impressed 
by  the  truth,  the  day  before,  rose  up ; and,  in  the  presence 
of  a large  assembly,  confessed  his  sins,  in  a very  feeling 
manner,  asking  the  forgiveness  of  the  people,  and  the  for- 
giveness of  God;  and  then  declared  solemnly,  that,  by  the 
assistance  of  divine  grace,  he  w ould  take  up  the  cross  and 
follow  Christ.  Speaking  of  another  occasion,  he  says, 
“ This  was  an  extraordinary  meeting.  The  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  w as  wonderfully  manifestsdfin  excitiug  convictions  in 
sinners,  and  in  arousing  professors  to  confess  their  past  un- 
faithfulness. A newr  convert,  51  years  of  age,  related,  in 
the  presence  of  the  people,  what  the  Lord  had  recently 
done  for  his  soul.  His  relation  had  a powerful  effect  on 
the  congregation.  It  tended  to  arouse  a number  from  the 
slumbers  of  sin.’*  On  another  occasion,  a physician,  a man 
of  liberal  education,  was  constrained  to  confess  his  sins 


.....4 

before  God  and  the  people ; and  to  renounce  the  doctrine  of 
universal  salvation,  for  which  he  had  been  a warm  advo- 
cate, as  an  error  destructive  in  its  tendency  to  the  souls  of 
men. 


The  Rev.  Joshua  Johnson  was  appointed  a mis- 
sionary for  two  months,  and  directed  to  commence  his 
mission  in  the  county  of  Onondaga,  and  thence  to  proceed 
to  the  Holland  purchase,  where  he  w as  to  spend  the  great- 
er part  of  his  time.  The  journal  of  this  missionary  is  inter- 
esting. The  Committee  request  permission  to  read  some 
selected  parts. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
REV.  JOSHUA  JOHNSON. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  Mr.  Ayer  and  I attended  a meet- 
ilia:  in  another  part  of  the  town,  where  he  preached  in  the 
afternoon,  and  I in  the  morning.  Such  solemn  meetings 
as  these  two,  we  thought  we  had  never  seen.  It  seemed 
as  though  God  was  in  the  midst  of  us  in  very  deed.  The 
hearts,  eyes,  and  ears  of  the  people  were  like  parched 
ground,  ready  to  drink  in  every  drop  of  the  preached  word 
like  water ; and  they  witnessed  the  effect  of  divine  truth 
in  them,  by  the  most  devout  attention,  and  plentiful  tears. 
After  preaching,  many  spoke,  with  feeling  sentiments  and 
exhortation,  on  the  div'ne  work  among  them,  and  on  what 
God  had  done  for  their  souls.  Among  others  was  obe  estab- 
lished Universalist,  who  had  not  been  known  as  a subject 
of  this  work.  Rising  and  bursting  into  tears,  he  said,  he 
had  thought  there  was  no  power  could  bow  his  heart,  or 
warp  him  from  his  belief:  but  he  had  found  the  day  before 
that  God  could  do  it,  and  desired  to  give  him  glory ; that 
before  the  last  Sabbath  he  had  not  known  the  character  of 
Christ,  nor  had  a thought  that  God,  his  Maker,  had  given 
him,  soul  and  body,  into  the  hands  of  his  Son  to  be  mana- 
ged for  eternity ; that  yesterday  morning,  having  had  no 
rest  through  the  night,  and  being  exceedingly  distressed, 
he  tried  to  pray,  but  could  not; — tried  to  say,  Lord  be  mer- 
ciful to  me  a sinner, — but  he  could  only  say,  LORD — Thou 
art  just,  but  I am  condemned  ; — went  to  his  barn,  but  an 
awful  gloom  hung  on  every  thing  .around  him,  even  on  the 
sun,  although  it  rose  clear.  Returning  to  his  house,  he 
was  oppressed  with  a dreadful  weight,  and  sunk  upon  the 
ground  wholly  insensible ; soon  rising,  as  it  were  involun* 


5..... 

fcarily  cried  out,  Lord  be  merciful  to  me  a sinner.  He  sat 
a few  minutes  and  felt  more  comfortably;  arose,  went  in, 
spent  the  rest  of  the  day  with  his  Bible,  and  found  it  quite  a 
new  book  to  his  poor  soul.  This  man  has  since  become  a 
humble  professor  of  Christ,  an  admirer  of  the  Calvinistic 
doctrines,  anxious  to  know  the  Scriptures. 

Having  been  engaged  in  these  exercises  about  eigli$ 
hours,  it  being  now  nearly  eleven  o’clock,  after  several 
singings  and  prayers,  we  were  obliged  to  request  the  people 
to  retire  to  their  homes.  We  tarried  among  this  people 
until  Saturday;  preaching,  praying,  conversing,  from  the 
time  we  rose  in  the  morning  until  midnight  generally ; re- 
joicing to  see  such  displays  of  sovereign  grace  upon  stupid 
sinners,  bringing  them  to  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as 
little  children. 

Finding  this  divine  work  evidently  increasing,  the 
people  exposed  to  various  sectarians  around  them,  in  this 
trying  day,  we  agreed  it  must  be  the  duty  of  one  of  us  to 
tarry.  Accordingly  on  Saturday  I went  on  westward, 
through  rains  and  deep  mud  to  Shildon,  where  is  an  infant 
church  of  8 members,  calvinistic,  and  a feeble  congrega- 
tion. On  the  Sabbath  I preached  twice,  to  a small  but 
hunery  congregation,  (the  weather  and  roads  being 
very  uncomfortable,)  who  were  solemn  and  rejoiced  to 
hear  the  gospel  again  preached  among  them ; and  in  the 
evening  attended  a conference.  Being  unwell,  I tarried 
next  day,  visited  some  families ; and  at  evening  attended 
a conference  peculiarly  agreeable  on  account  of  my  being 
enabled  to  clear  up  the  doctrine  of  predestination  to  the  full 
satisfaction  of  two  men  ; important  members  of  this  society, 
who  had  shewn  much  opposition  to  the  church  and  congre- 
gation, on  account  of  this  doctrine.  The  people  felt  the 
weight  of  divine  truth,  and  offered  their  most  cordial  thanks 
to  me,  and  the  missionary  society  that  sent  me,  for  our 
help  in  their  infant,  discouraging  situation ; and  requested 
further  aid. 

On  the  same  day  Mr.  Ayer  came  to  my  lodging,  in- 
forming that  he  had  spent  his  whole  time,  since  I left  him, 
at  Warsaw ; that  the  work  of  the  Lord  had  been,  and  still 
is  increasing;  that  he  was  worn  down  with  his  labours, 
must  return  home  to  recruit  his  health ; and  that,  by  his 
and  the  urgent  solicitations  of  that  people,  I must  go  and 
spend  the  remainder  of  my  mission  w ith  them.  Loth  to 
give  up  my  present  work,  which  I viewed  as  important, 
y et  I felt  as  if  duty  called  me  to  go.  The  next  day  I went 
on,  and  reached  Warsaw  not  until  Saturday,  (the  roads 
being  excessively  bad,)  and  found  the  work  still  progres- 
sing, sinners  alarmed  and  enquiring,  and  Christians  aui- 


6..v..  . 

mated.  Here  I spent  my  remaining  eight  days  in  preach* 
ing,  praying,  conversation,  and  conferences,  nightand  day, 
from  morning  until  midnight,  when  my  mission  was  com- 
pleted, and  my  strength  almost  exhausted. 

I must  mention  one  singular  feature  in  the  face  of  di- 
vine Providence  respecting  this  people  of  Warsaw.  They 
have  been  settled  on  these  pleasant,  fertile  lands  about  six 
years.  In  the  early  part  of  their  settlement,  it  pleased  God 
to  send  three  pious  and  eminent  men  to  settle  among  them. 
These  immediately  united,  set  lip  their  Sabbath  day  meet- 
ings, on  the  true  Calvinistic  principles,  and  determined, 
God  helping,  not  to  be  turned  aside  by  any  of  the  wiles  of 
the  adversary.  For  three  years  they  stemmed  the  torrent 
of  corruption,  maintained  their  meetings  almost  alone,  un- 
der every  reproach  and  opposition  that  sinners  could  heap 
upon  them.  This  little  band  thus  continued  fervent  in 
prayer,  until  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  plead  their  cause,  and 
send  them  the  mighty  blessing  of  his  grace  in  the  past  sea- 
son. 

It  w as  most  gratefully  noticed  by  them,  that  as  soon  as 
a church  was  constituted,  and  the  holy  ordinances  were 
publicly  administered  among  them,  it  had  a visible  check 
on  reigning  iniquity,  drew  numbers  to  their  meeting,  and 
proved  a prelude  to  the  blessed  day  they  now  enjoy,  which 
is  the  first  revival  of  religion  within  the  hounds  of  the  Hol- 
land Purchase.  1 ain  not  able  to  ascertain  the  number  of 
those  who  have  been  hopefully  the  subjects  of  renewing 
gracp  here  in  the  course  of  this  work;  but  I suppose  about 
So  at  least  have  come  to  a public  profession  of  Christ,  and 
generally  heads  of  families;  as  if  God  would  first  make  the 
parents  holy,  that  the  children  also  may  be  holy.  Also  it 
is  remarkable  that,  among  these  humble  subjects  of  religion, 
six  or  seven  noted  universalists  have  come  forward ; rejoic- 
ing that  God  has  opened  their  eyes,  and  turned  them  from 
their  darkness  and  error  into  his  marvellous  light. 


The  Rev.  John  Gloucester  was  appointed  a mis- 
sionary, for  three  months,  to  the  blacks,  in  Philadelphia. 
He  visited  the  different  parts  of  the  city  ; and,  in  the  course 
of  his  term,  preached  forty-five  sermons,  attended  thirteen 
prayer  meetings,  at  each  of  which  he  gave  an  exhortation, 
visited  a number  of  families,  baptized  six  adults  and  five 
children,  and  administered  the  Lord’s  supper  once.  On 
this  occasion,  solemn  and  lasting  impressions  of  religion 
appear  to  have  been  made.  The  committee  are  happy 
jm  being  able  to  state,  that,  since  their  last  report,  the 


• •••«  M'V. 


AFRICAN  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  in  this  elft 
has  been  opened  for  public  worship,  and  that  Mr.  Glouces- 
ter has  encouragement  to  hope  he  will  be  able  to  collect  a 
respectable  congregation.  The  Congregation  already  for- 
med lias  been  taken  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia. 


The  Rev.  Samuel  Tait  itinerated  as  a missiona- 
ry, two  mouths,  between  the  Alleghany  river  and  lake  Erie, 
jjuring  his  mission  he  travelled  460  miles,  preached  45 
times,  and  baptized  6 infants.  He  was  well  received  by  the 
people,  who,  in  the  different  places  visited  by  him,  were 
generally  attentive,  and  sometimes  solemnly  impressed  by 
the  truth.  In  the  town  of  Erie,  he  preached  to  a large  as- 
sembly, many  of  whom  were  melted  into  tears.  lie  in- 
forms the  Committee  that  some  weeks  after  he  had  been 
in  Broken  Straw,  a man  of  respectable  character  came  to 
him,  earnestly  requesting  that  some  minister  might  be  'sent 
to  visit  that  place.  This  man  told  him  the  concern  about 
religion  which  had  appeared  among  the  people  when  Mr. 
Tait  was  there,  had  continued,  and  was  increased:  that- 
divine  worship  had  been  set  up  in  several  families,  which 
before  had  lived  in  the  neglect  of  this  important  duty;  that 
many  w ere  seriously  enquiring  the  way  to  Zion ; and  that 
the  conversation  of  most  people  was  on  the  subject  of  reli- 
gion. Mr.  Tait,  sometime  after  this,  visited  Broken  Straw, 
and  found  the  statement  of  this  man  correct;  and  was  grat- 
ified in  seeing  evidences  of  a considerable  aw  akening  among 
the  people,  and  their  earnest  desire  to  obtain  Christian 
know  ledge.  The  assembly  w ill  be  pleased  to  learn  that 
the  Female  Society  in  Meadville,  of  w hich  Mr.  Tait  gave 
some  information  in  his  journal  of  last  year,  still  continues 
in  existence,  and  that  the  members  meet  once  a week  for  re- 
ligious worship  and  improvement. 


The  Rev.  James  Cunningham  was  appointed  to 
act  as  a missionary,  three  months,  between  Wheeling  and 
the  mouth  of  the  Scioto,  on  both  sides  of  the  Ohio.  As  he 
has  not  in  his  journal  given  a summary  statement  of  the  dis- 
tance he  travelled,  and  of  the  number  of  sermons  he  preach- 
ed, the  Committee  cannot  give  one.  But  this  missionary 
seems  to  have  applied  himself  industriously  to  his  work.  In 
some  places  the  people  were  indifferent  to  preaching ; and 
i»ost  chose  rather  to  spend  the  Sabbath  in  taverns  and  in 


,.8, 


amusements  than  in  public  worship.  But  generally  the 
people  attended  on  his  ministry;  and,  on  several  occasions, 
very  hopeful  symptoms  appeared  of  good  being  done.  At  a 
sacramental  season,  in  which  he  assisted  the  Rev.  Mr.  Scott, 
the  power  of  divine  grace  became  conspicuous;  numbers 
were  deeply  impressed  with  the  truth,  sunk  under  the 
weight  of  their  convictions,  and  cried  out  with  the  Philip- 
pian jailor,  “ What  shall  we  do  to  be  saved.” 


The  Rev.  James  Me.  Gready  was  directed  to  iti- 
nerate as  a missionary,  for  three  months,  in  the  Indiana 
Territory.  In  the  course  of  his  mission,  he  preached  75 
times.  When  he  commenced  his  labors  circumstances  seem- 
ed unfavorable.  The  late  battle  between  our  troops  and 
the  Indians  had  excited  among  the  people  such  an  iuterest, 
that  it  seemed  to  engross  all  their  thoughts  and  conversation, 
and  to  indispose  them  for  the  important  duties  of  hearing 
the  word  and  worshipping  God.  But  he  had  not  labored 
long  before  he  found  a most  propitious  change  in  the  state 
of  public  feeling.  Several  tremendous  earthquakes,  follow- 
ed by  innumerable  shocks  of  less  violence,  spread  over  the 
country  alarm  and  consternation.  The  convulsed  and  trem- 
bling earth  made  the  people  sensible  how  entirely  depen- 
dent they  were  on  their  Creator  for  life,  aud  how  soon  they 
might  be  called  to  appear  before  his  bar.  The  most  harden- 
ed sinners  became  terrified,  and  felt  the  necessity  of  prepa- 
ring to  meet  their  offended  God.  Mr.  Me.  Gready  repre- 
sents his  audiences,  on  many  occasions,  as  having  been  im- 
mense, and  solemnity  as  reigning  over  the  congregated  thou- 
sands. He  states,  that  not  only  in  the  Indiana  Territory, 
but  over  all  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  as  far  as  his  inform- 
ation extended,  thousands  appear  to  be  awakened  and  alar- 
med; that  a very  great  reformation  has  taken  place,  and 
an  amazing  attention  is  given  to  the  preaching  of  the  Gos- 

Sel.  Mr.  Me.  Gready’s  account  of  the  favorable  effects  pro- 
uced  by  the  earthquakes,  it  is  presumed,  will  be  interes- 
ting to  the  Assembly.  A member  of  the  Committee  w ill, 
therefore,  read  it;  it  affords  a striking  proof  of  the  prophet’s 
declaration,  “ When  the  judgments  of  God  are  abroad  in  the 
earth,  the  inhabitants  thereof  will  learn  righteousness.” 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
REV.  JAMES  M‘GREADY. 

It  is  worthy  of  notice  here,  that  in  the  morning 
on  Monday,  December  the  16th.  at  half  past  two  o’clock, 


'here  was  a tremendous  and  alarming  shock  of  an  earth- 
quake. A very  heavy  shock  again  took  place  after  sun- 
rise. These  have  again  been  followed  by  innumerable  shocks, 
every  few  days  down  to  the  present  time:  some  very  light, 
others  verv  heavy  and  alarming.  Many  brick  cliimnies 
have  been  thrown  down;  and  the  chinking  shaken  out  of 
log  buildings.  In  some  places,  large  quantities  of  land 
have  been  blown  up  from  the  interior  parts  of  the  earth. 
The  very  first  appearance  of  this  awful  dispensation  seemed 
to  bring  death  and  eternity  near  to  the  view  of  the  most 
careless,  hardened  and  wicked : and  struck  an  universal 
alarm  to  sinners  of  even-  description.  At  the  present  time, 
there  are  hundreds  over  the  Indiana  Territory,  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee,  even  as  far  as  mv  information  can  reach, 
that  are  under  hopeful,  pungent  convictions:  and  many  have 
professed  to  have  found  peace  with  God,  through  the  medi- 
ation and  atonement  of  Christ.  Such  immense  multitudes 
attending  public  worship,  and  such  solemnity  and  attention 
in  time  of  preaching,  have  scarcely,  at  any  time,  been  equal- 
ed. On  Monday  morning  after  the  first  shock,  many  of  the 
most  profane,  daring  sinners  confessed,  that  on  the  day  be- 
fore they  had  been  profaning  the  Sabbath,  by  the  most  daring 
scenes  of  sin  and  wickedness.  Some  acknowledged  they  had 
been  labouring;  others  in  the  woods  hunting  game  ; and. 
others  engaged  in  their  profane  frolicks.  Their  confessions, 
their  promises  of  amendment,  and  cries  for  mercy,  were  in- 
deed extraordinary,  and  manifested  the  effects  of  the  con- 
vincing power  and  agency  of  the  Divine  Spirit.  On  Friday- 
morning,  the  7th.  of  February,  there  was  another  tremen- 
dous shock  of  thd  earthquake,  the  heaviest  by  far  that  we 
had  yet  experienced.  It  was  attended  with  a loud  rumbling 
noise,  like  distant  thunder.  By  every  shock  the  houses 
were  affected  with  hard  jolting,  and  the  injuries  done  to  build- 
ings were  greater  than  by  any  of  the  preceedimj  shocks. 
This  shock  wonderfully  struck  a more  deep  and  awful  alarm 
to  the  hearts  of  the  poor  unconverted  sinners,  than  any 
that  had  gone  before.  On  the  evening  of  Friday  tlie  7th. 
after  passing  a wilderness  of  more  than  20  miles,  I came 
io  Mr.  Johnston’s,  the  first  house  of  the  settlement  that  I 
intended  first  to  rusit.  My  intention  was  to  go  four  miles  fur- 
ther that  evening:  but  there  were  a few-  people  at  John- 
ston s perhaps  not  more  than  10  orl2,  that  were  expecting 
me  to  pass  that  way.  They  came  out  and  entreated  me 
with  such  importunity  to  stop  and  spend  that  night  there, 
and  pray  and  converse  v.;th  them,  that  I considered  it  my 
duty  to  stop:  and  spent  the  night  with  them  in  prayer,  ex- 
hortation and  conversation:  and  indeed  it  was  one  of  the 
rno«t  solemn  meetings  for  the  number  of  people  that  1 ever 


.40, 


saw.  Every  person  seemed  anxiously  engaged  from  his  in- 
most soul  about  his  eternal  state;  even  little  children  were 
all  in  tears,  and  appeared  to  be  all  anxiety  about  the  state 
of  their  souls.  One  young  woman  appeared  for  a moment 
as  if  she  had  got  a view  of  the  fulness  and  suitableness  of 
Christ’s  righteousness  and  atonement,  but  presently  fell 
again  into  darkness.  On  Saturday  evening  Febr.*  8,  I 
preached  at  the  house  of  Howell  Bass,  on  the  head  of  Pi- 
geon. A large  assembly  attended,  and  an  awful  solemni- 
ty filled  the  house.  The  people  were  all  anxiety,  and  their 
whole  concern  was  their  salvation.  Here  I had  to  speak 
till  I could  speak  no  more;  and  when  I was  quite  exhaust- 
ed, it  was  with  reluctance  that  the  people  dispersed.  On 
Sabbath  the  9th.  I preached  at  Patoka  to  an  immense  mul- 
titude from  Rom.  10.  21.  An  awful  solemnity  filled  the 
place.  Eternity  and  eternal  things  engrossed  the  attention 
of  the  people  at  large,  and  a vast  multitude  were  bathed 
in  tears.  On  Sabbath  evening  I preached  at  Mr.  Potter’s  to 
a vast  crowd  of  people.  Though  the  night  was  excessive- 
ly dark,  yet  a large  house  was  filled  as  full  as  it  could  con- 
tain; and  all  appeared  to  hear  the  word  preached  as  for 
the  life  of  their  souls.  On  Monday  the  10th.  I preached  at 
Calvin  Merry's,  in  the  same  settlement.  The  day  was  ex- 
ceeding wet  and  uncomfortable ; yet  a great  multitude  at- 
tended, so  that  with  difficulty  the  house  could  contain  them, 
and  each  one  seemed  to  hear  for  eternity.  That  evening 
going  from  the  place,  I rode  a few  miles  with  a gentleman, 
a militia  officer,  who  had  distinguished  himself  in  the  late 
battle  with  the  savages  as  a brave  man.  He  had  been  a De- 
ist in  sentiment,  and  a very  rapid  swearing,  drinking  man. 
I had  noticed  him  that  day  in  time  of  preaching  awfully  so- 
lemn and  very  attentive,  and  much  affected.  Our  conver- 
sation turned  upon  the  subject  of  the  earthquake.  He  ob- 
served that  nothing  that  had  ever  happened  to  him  before, 
had  brought  him  to  realize  death  and  eternity  as  the  earth- 
quake had  done;  and  sa,id  he,  it  has  brought  many  of  us  to 
see  the  necessity  of  quitting  our  folly.  As  I returned  through 
that  settlement  homewards,  this  man  had  professed  to  have 
found  pardou,  peace,  and  reconciliation  w ith  God,  through 
the  merits  of  Christ.  On  Monday  evening  the  10th.  I preach- 
at Win.  Latlipm’s.  The  night  was  very  dark,  wet,  and 
cold;  yet  a large  assembly  attended  and  manyappeared 
to  have  the  arrows  of  conviction  fastened  deep  in  their 
hearts. 

I think  I can  say  I have  tried  to  be  as  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  the  important  duties  of  my  mission  as  possible; 
and  I think  during  my  late  tour,  the  appearances  in 
every  place  I visited  were  pleasing,  and  the  prospeet 


11 


very  hopeful : but  how  these  awakenings  and  convictions* 
which  looked  so  flattering,  may  terminate,  or  how  many  of 
these  that  have  obtained  a hope  of  salvation  may  hereafter 
appear  but  stony  ground  hearers,  God  only  knows,  and 
time  alone  can  determine.  But  not  only  in  the  territory, 
but  in  the  bounds  of  my  stated  labours,  and  all  over  Ken- 
tucky and  Tennessee,  as  far  as  I can  obtain  information, 
thousands  appear  to  be  awakened  and  alarmed.  A vast  refor- 
mation has  taken  place,  and  an  amazing  attention  is  give** 
to  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel. 


The  Rev.  Thomas  Cleland  was  appointed  to  la  - 
hour,  for  two  months,  as  a missionary,  in  the  counties  of 
of  Harden,  Grason  &c.  Kentucky.  As  his  journal  is  short 
and  interesting,  the  Committee  ask  leave  to  read  it.  From 
the  journal  it  will  appear,  that  Mr.  Cleland  spent  on  his 
mission  46  days;  but,  in  that  time,  he  organized  one  society, 
and  preached  62  sermons.  The  Committee  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  abundant  labours  of  this  active  missionary, 
think  it  their  duty  to  recommend  that  he  be  allowed  salary 
for  two  months. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
RET.  THOMAS  CLELAND. 

August  7.  Rode  17  miles,  and  preached  at  Mr. 
Poage?s,  in  Cumberland  county.  This  w as  the  last  day  of 
eur  election  for  members  to  the  state  legislature,  and  my  ap- 
pointment w as  almost  in  sight  of  the  place  where  the  elec- 
tion w as  held,  and  1 expected  but  few  hearers.  I w as  agree- 
ably disappointed.  The  judges  of  the  election  proclaimed  a 
recess  of  tw  o and  a half  hours.  They  and  the  candidates, 
with  many  others,  attended  : so  that  when  I began  to 
preach  I found  before  me  about  200  people,  or  more,  who 
listened  w ith  the  greatest  attention ; and  many  of  them  I 
saw  in  tears  towards  the  close  of  my  discourse.  I preached 
at  night,  at  the  same  place.  There  are  about  a dozen  families 
in  this  neighbourhood,  who  profess  an  attachment  to  our 
church ; yet  are  entirely  destitute  of  the  stated  means  of 
grace. 

8th.  Rode  28  miles  to  Monticello,  Wayne  County — 
Preached  in  the  Academy  to  an  attentive  audience,  and 
then  rode  that  evening  to  Col.  Ewings,  10  miles. 


12.... 


9 th.  Preached  to  day  at  Col.  Ewing’s  to  a small  assem- 
bly, who  appeared  very  serious,  and  some  of  them  much  af- 
fected. 

10(h.  4 1th.  and  12th.  preached  5 sermons  in  the  Aca- 
demy at  Monticello,  and  administered  the  sacramental  sup- 
per to  about  30  communicants.  This  occasion  afforded  me 
more  encouragement  and  greater  hopes  of  success,  than  any 
of  the  like  kind  I ever  attended,  considering  the  circum- 
stances in  which  I was  placed.  I was  alone,  but  blest  with 
health  and  strength  sufficient  to  go  through  the  undertaking. 
The  people  attended  each  day  and  evening  in  large  numbers ; 
were  particularly  attentive,  solemn,  affectionate:  and  many 
w ept  aloud.  The  professors  appeared  to  be  much  engaged. 
They  requested  me  to  attend  to  such  regulations  as  would 
put  them  into  a congregational  form.  1 did  so.  Elders 
were  appointed,  session  books  formed,  clerk  and  treasurer 
for  the  congregation  chosen.  The  scattering  professors 
thus  collected  call  themselves,  u The  church  of  Monticello.” 
They  have  since  been  added  to  the  Presbytery  of  Tran- 
sylvania. 

Sept,  i 8th.  Preached  at  Moses  Mann’s,  Green  county, 
— House  would  not  contain  the  people — retired  into  the 
w oods — congregation  large  and  solemn.  Al  night  preach- 
ed at  Mr.  Taylor’s.  The  room  was  crowded  ; and,  in  time 
of  preaching,  almost  the  whole  cougregaton  wept  aloud. 

My  appointments  were  well  attended  ; and  1 humbly 
hope,  my  unworthy  ministrations  were  made  a blessing  to 
many.  1 never  saw  people  appear  more  anxious  to  hear  the 
Gospel.  They  spared  no  pains  to  attend  day  and  night ; and 
in  every  place  urged  me  to  \ isit  them  again.  The  late  earth- 
quakes have  affected  many  in  a serious  way.  They  have 
been  told  by  ignorant  teachers  that  the  day  of  judgment 
was  just  at  hand-. — that  the  end  of  the  world  would  take  place 
in  a few  days.  This  has  frightened  a great  many.  These 

ijreachers  have  taken  the  advantage  of  their  feelings.  They 
nave  been  urged  to  join  society,  and  consequently  in  a very 
short  time  some  hundreds  have  been  added.  Among  the 
latter  there  are  men  at  this  time  authorized  to  preach  the 
Gospel  who  are  not  able  to  read  the  text  from  which  they 
would  attempt  to  preach.  There  are  frequent  instances  of 
such  in  several  counties  through  w hich  I rode.  O Sir,  you 
can  have  but  small  know  ledge  of  the  condition  of  many 
neighbourhoods  through  which  1 passed,  where  such  teach- 
ers abound,  and  w here  the  people  are  perishing  for  lack  of 
jyiowiedge. 


: 


13 


Mr.  Benjamin  H.  Rice  was  appointed  a missionary, 
for  three  months,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina.  The  labours  of  this  missionary  w ere  interrupted 
bv  indisposition.  He,  however,  appears  to  have  prosecuted 
lus  mission  with  diligence;  for  he  preached  42  sermons, 
and  performed  other  missionary  services.  At  Edenton  100 
persons  have  been  added  to  the  churches  of  different  denom- 
inations since  his  last  visit;  and  although  he  does  not  claim 
to  have  been  the  principal  instrument  used  in  producing  the 
awakening  there,  yet  he  is  well  assured  his  labours  have 
been  blest  to  the  people  of  that  town. 


The  Rev.  John  H.  Rice,  appointed  a missionary, 
for  three  months,  to  the  blacks  in  Charlotte  county,  Vir- 
ginia, and  parts  adjacent,  has  sent  the  following  account 
ol'his  labours. 

Letter  from  the  Rev.  John  H.  Rice  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Stamliug  Committee  of  Missions.  _ 

“ Richmond,  Vir.  May  11th.  181?. 
Rev.  and  Dear.  Sir, 

About  the  lime  when  I should 
have  given  you  some  account  of  my  missionary  services, 
during  the  last  year,  it  was  determined  that  I should  re- 
move from  Charlotte,  and  pitch  my  tent  in  Richmond.  A 
determination  so  important,  (I  mean  important  to  myself,) 
and  the  arrangements  necessary  to  carry  it  into  effeet,  have 
so  completely  occupied  my  time  and  attention,  that  1 really 
forsrot  the  duty  which  I owed  to  the  Committee  of  Missions, 
until  1 was  prepared  to  set  out  to  Richmond.  I hope,  however, 
that  uo  serious  inconvenience  will  result  from  the  delay 
of  my  report. 

The  manner  in  which  I have  executed  the  trust  com- 
mitted to  me,  has  been  so  fully  detailed  in  former  commu- 
nications, to  the  committee  of  Missions,  that  I need  say 
nothing  on  the  subject  at  present.  1 have  nothing  new  to 
add,  to  what  has  been  already  said.  Only  I will  observe, 
that  I have  found  very  few  opportunities  of  preaching  at 
the  funerals  of  black  people  within  the  year  past.  Nor  is  it 
probable  that  much  can  in  any  short  time  lie  done  in  this 
way.  1 have,  however,  neglected  no  opportunity  that  has 
occurred  of  attending  to  this  duty. 

i'he  effect  of  my  labours  during  the  last  year,  has 
been  pretty  much  as  usual.  Nothing  very  remarkable  has 


14. 


occurred ; but  y'et  I have  reason  to  hope  that  my  labour  has 
not  been  44  in  vain  in  the  Lord.”  The  conduct  of  pro- 
fessors among  the  blacks  has  been  orderly,  and,  in  some 
good  degree,  as  becometh  the  gospel.  Not  a ease  has  oc- 
curred requiring  the  exercise  of  the  discipline  of  the  cliurcln 
I have  heard  of  no  complaints  against  any  of  our  black 
members. 

There  has  been  an  addition  of  five  members  to  the 
church  since  last  spring:  and,  when  I left  the  congregation, 
there  were  three  or  four  others  who  seemed  anxiously  to  de- 
sire a full  participation  of  the  privileges  of  the  Gospel ; and 
who  in  due  time  1 hope  will  be  received  as  members.  The 
whole  mi  Oliver  now  exceeds  ninety. 

One  of  the  congregation  died  during  the  winter.  She 
lived  at  such  a distance  from  me,  that  I heard  nothing  of 
the  matter  until  some  days  after  her  death.  The  most  in- 
telligent and  best  instructed  man  of  all  the  number,  attend- 
ed her  during  her  sickness,  and  gave  me  such  an  account 
of  her  dying  exercises  as  satisfied  me,  as  far  as  we  can  be 
satisfied  in  such  matters,  that  she  44  died  in  the  faith.”  Ac- 
cording to  the  account  of  Jlaron,  (the  man  just  alluded  to— 
AVho  by  the  way  is  in  my  judgment  a most  exemplary 
Christian,)  her  sole  depeudenee  was  on  the  merit  of  Jesus 
Christ — She  was  utterly  unworthy,  “ but  Jesus  is  worthy” 
said  she,  44  and  I hope"  that  I have  committed  my  soul  to 
him.”  May  I not  hope  lhat  she  is  now  singing  in  more  ex- 
alted strains  than  the  most  exalted  Christian  on  earth  can 
use,44  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  who  was  slain  to  receive  glory, 
and  honour,  and  dominion,  and  praise  forever? 

The  circumstances  which  occurred  when  1 preached 
my  last  sermon  at  Cub-Creek  church,  convinced  me,  more 
fully  than  any  thing  ever  had  done  before,  that  I have  uot 
been  uselessly  employed  while  labouring  among  the  blacks. 
I cannot  do  justice  to  the  scene.  It  was  a sacramental  oc- 
casion. About  ninety  had  partaken  of  the  Lord’s  Supper. 
During  the  whole  day,  they  looked  at  me  wit li  a mournful 
expression  in  their  countenances,  w hich  convinced  me  that 
they  felt  pungently.  They  hung  over  the  table  in  a sor- 
rowful manner,  as  if  they  "thought  “ This  is  the  last  time 
that  lie  wall  minister  to  us.”  1 hey  howrever  commanded 
their  feelings  pretty  well  until  near  the  close  of  my  fare- 
well sermon.  And  then  such  a flood  of  grief  burst  out,  as 
1 have  never  before  witnessed  on  a similar  occasion. 
When  I came  down  from  the  pulpit  they  crowded  about 
m6,  and  while  they,  with  a sort  of  convulsive  squeeze, 
pressed  my  hand,  some  could  just  articulate  44  May  God  Al- 
mighty bless  you — pray  for  us  and  others  were  too  lull^ 
to  utter  a word — But  I at  this  time  so  feel  the  contagion  of 


their  grief  that  I must  drop  the  subject — Only  I will  ob- 
serve that  two  worthy  brethren  have  already  succeeded  me 
in  the  congregation,  who  I believe  w ill  carefully  attend  to 
the  interests  of  my  beloved  blacks.  This  is  truly  consoling 
to  me. 

Before  I bring  this  communication  to  a close,  I will 
observe  that  although  there  has  been  nothing  like  a revival 
of  religion  in  this  country,  yet  it  is  manifest  to  a careful 
observer  that  religiou  gains  ground  among  us.  Its  progress 
is  silent  and  slow' but  I hope  that  it  is  sure.  It£  influence 
is  gradually  extending  among  those  classes  of  society,  which 
were  thought  not  long  ago  to  be  set  in  most  determined  op- 
position to  it,  and  to  be  least  likely  of  all  others  to  come  un- 
der its  influence.  Both  missionaries  and  stationed  preach- 
ers have  been  instrumental  in  effecting  this  change. 

I cannot  conclude  this  my  last  communication  as  a mis- 
sionary, without  offering  up  my  most  fervent  prayers 
that  God  may  bless  the  Missionary  Cause  throughout  the 
world ; that  he  may  direct  the  committee  over  which  you 
preside,  may  bless  all  their  labours,  give  efficacy  to  all 
their  plans  for  promoting  evangelical  religion,  and  send 
out  those  who  labour  under  their  direction  “ in  the  fulness 
of  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.” 

I am,  dear  Sir,  with  the  highest  esteem  and  regard, 

yours  Sfc. 
JOHN  H.  RICE. 


I 


PART  II. 

The  Rev.  Oliver  Wetmore  was  appointed  a mis^ 
iionarv  by  the  Presbytery  of  Oneida,  to  itinerate  two 
months,  within  their  bounds.  He  states  his  mission  was 
performed,  as  to  time,  in  a manner  somewhat  broken,  ow- 
ingto  unavoidable  circumstances;  but  that  he  spent  more 
Sabbaths  in  bis  mission  than  belonged  to  the  appointed 
term  : and  should  have  continued  another  week  on  mission- 
ary ground,  had  it  not  been  for  an  epidemic  prevail  ins;  in 
almost  every  tow  n,  to  such  a decree  that,  towards  the  close 
of  his  mission,  he  found  difficulty  in  collecting  a congrega- 
tion in  some  places.  The  people  visited  bv  him,  lie  says, 
really  need  missionary  aid,  and  have  been  too  much  neglect- 
ed on  account  of  their  vicinity  to  populous  places  w here 
the  Gospel  is  statedly  preached.  Every  where  lie  was 
treated  with  the  utmost  kindness;  and  those  who  were  in 
the  habit  of  assembling  for  worship,  expressed  their  grat- 
itude to  him  and  to  the  Assembly  for  his  services.  At  Rus- 
sia there  appeared  more  than  ordinary  seriousness;  and,  on 
this  account,  and  because  the  inhabitants  of  that  place 
were  exposed  to  the  influence  of  false  doctrine,  he  conceiv- 
ed it  to  be  his  duly  to  spend  more  time  among  them  than  in 
other  places. 

Mr.  Wetmore  informs  the  Committee,  that  many  fam- 
ilies visited  by  him  were  destitute  of  the  Holy  Scriptures; 
and  that,  in  every  place  where  he  laboured,  there  were 
some  families  who  needed  them.  On  his  mission,  he  dis- 
tributed a number  of  Bibles  received  from  the  Oneida  Bi- 
ble Society.  He  also  distributed  religious  tracts.  “ In 
some  families,”  says  he,  “ to  w hom  the  w ord  of  God  has 
been  given,  a spirit  of  inquiry  has  been  aw  akened ; and  I 
have  no  doubt,  from  present  appearances,  that  incalcula- 
ble good  will  he  done  to  the  souls  of  many  families,  to  whom 
the  sacred  volume  has  been  presented.  No  one  instance 
has  occurred  to  my  knowledge  where  the  Bible  was  not 
thankfully  received.” 

In  performing  his  mission,  Mr.  Wetmore  travelled 
270  miles,  preached  3/  sermons,  attended  one  public  con- 
ference, and  visited  a number  of  families. 


The  Rev.  Joshua  Johnson  fulfilled  a mission  of 
two  months,  on  missionary  ground  w ithin  the  limits  of  the 


1 7 ..... 


Presbytery  of  Onondaga  and  its  vicinity.  He  preached  33 
sermons,  administered  the  Lord’s  supper  7 times,  baptized 
13  children  and  one  adult,  and  attended  7 funerals,  at  5 of 
which  he  preaehed.  The  Assembly  Mull  be  gratified  by  the 
reading  of  a part  of  his  report  to  this  committee. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  REPORT  OF  THE 
REV.  JOSHUA  JOHXSOX. 

The  mission  assigned  me  to  the  destitute  churches  and 
congregations  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Onon- 
daga and  its  vicinities,  I attended  to  in  the  beginning  of 
Sept.  1813,  and  have  since  been  attending  to  it  as  Provi- 
dence called.  After  taking  counsel  with  my  brethren,  I 
concluded  it  would  be  the  most  useful  mode  to  spend  about 
one  week  in  each  of  those  new  settlements,  where  regular 
societies  are  formed,  and  infant  churches  established. 
This  plan  I pursued  for  five  weeks  in  succession,  in  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  congregations:  preaching  everyday  when  I 
could  make  appointments,  and  visiting  their  schools  and 
families,  especially  where  I could  learn  that  any  w ere  un- 
commonly serious,  and  enquiring  for  the  w ay  of  life: — and 
much  was  I gratified  in  having  many  opportunities  of  enlight- 
ening and  comforting  a number  of  poor  ignorant  souls,  who 
w'ere  mourning  in  secret  over  their  wicked  hearts,  and 
praying  for  light.  Wherever  I came,  I found  consid- 
erable numbers  of  almost  all  denominations  ready  to  attend 
on  my  lectures. 

Generally  I went  into  a town  on  the  first  of  the  week, 
and  preaehed  and  visited  every  day  I could,  and  finished 
my  services  in  that  town  on  the  following  Sabbath,  when 
I gave  them  two  sermons,  a sacramental  service,  and  a 
lecture  or  conference  in  the  evening  of  thaf  day.  At  the 
close  of  my  labours  in  public,  the  people,  by  the  month  of 
some  one  appointed  in  their  name,  expressed  their  thanks 
to  me,  and  particularly  to  the  General  Assembly,  for  the 
great  privilege  they  had  now  enjoyed  through  their  bounty; 
as  in  some  places  they  had  not  been  favored  w ith  preach- 
ing and  the  holy  ordinances  for  nearly  a year,  being  unable 
to  procure  them. 

In  the  extensive  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Onondaga 
is  much  missionary  ground,  w hich  I have  not  been  able  to 
visit,  where  a multitude  of  souls  are  famishing  for  want  of 
a preached  Gospel. 

Where  I have  travelled,  from  the  universal  attention 
of  the  people  to  the  word  preached,  from  their  gratitude 


19 

and  earnest  solicitations  for  future  aids,  I am  more  than 
ever  satisfied  that  a little  money  spent  yearly  in  these  re- 
gions, cannot  be  spent  to  greater  advantage  to  religion, 
and  souls  who  are  destitute  of  the  words  of  life.  In  re- 
flecting on  my  mission,  I have  a little  satisfaction  in  the 
thought  that  I have  bestowed  my  services  where  they  were 
most  needed;  and  that  I have  contributed  one  mite  to  the  in- 
struction of  Gospel  sinners,  and  to  the  comfortin'*  and  con- 
firming of  the  children  of  Zion  in  the  most  holy  faith. 


The  Rev.  John  Clark  -was  appointed  a missionary, 
for  one  month,  in  Dutchess  county,  state  of  New-York. 
He  itinerated  34  days,  preached  27  times,  delivered  3 
exhortations,  and  attended  one  conference;  and  had  it  not 
been  for  his  sickness  during  3 days,  and  heavy  rains,  his 
labours  would  have  been  more  abundant.  lie  met  with 
some  success  in  his  mission. 


The  Rev.  Henry  Ford  was  appointed  a missiona- 
ry, for  six  weeks,  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson,  and  itin- 
erated eight  weeks.  He  travelled  400  miles,  preached  57 
sermons,  administered  the  Lord’s  supper  twice,  and  visited 
60  families.  His  labours  were  abundant;  and,  it  is  hoped, 
attended  with  beneficial  effects.  In  the  course  of  his  fami- 
ly visitations,  he  found  in  one  place  a number  of  both  sexes 
w ho  appeared  to  be  anxiously  enquiring  in  regard  to  reli- 
gion. Some  of  them  were  in  that  state  of  mind  when  he 
was  there  the  year  before;  and  some  had  been  in  that  state 
even  from  the  time  of  his  first  visit  in  1809.  In  another 
place,  he  observes,  some  appeared  considerably  impressed; 
and  the  people  of  God  in  particular  seemed  to  be  much 
comforted. 


The  Rev.  Eliphalet  Price,  agreeably  to  an  ap- 
pointment of  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson,  spent  two  weeks 
as  a missionary,  in  the  towns  of  Dover  and  Ainenia,  in 
Dutchess  county,  New-York.  “ My  thne,”  lie  says,  “ was 
wholly  taken  up  in  visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  in 
preaching  on  every  convenient  season.  In  the  course  of 
two  weeks,  I visited  72  families,  conversed  and  prayed 
with  them  all,  preached  7 sermons,  and  held  one  conference 


meeting.  My  ministerial  labours,  particularly  in  visitiug 
families,  I have  reasop  to  believe  were  much  blessed.” 


The  Rev.  John  D'.  Perkins  performed  his  mission 
of  four  months,  in  the  destitute  settlements,  on  both  sides 
of  the  Delaware,  above  Easton,  and  on  missionary  ground 
within  the  limits  of  the  Presbytery  of  Albany.  Mr.  Per- 
kins travelled  not  less  than  1000  miles,  preached  64  times, 
visited  schools,  and  baptized  6 or  8 children.  He  informs 
the  Committee,  he  would  have  preached  more  frequently  on 
week  days,  had  he  not  been  prevented  by  particular  circum- 
stances. When  he  commenced  his  mission,  the  time  of  ma- 
king hay  had  begun,  and  as  he  travelled  northward  and  it 
rained  constantly  for  two  weeks,  the  gathering  in  of  the 
harvest  lasted  more  than  half  the  term  of  his  mission.  The 
labours  of  this  missionary  appear  to  have  been  blest.  He 
deserves  commendation  particularly  for  endeavouring  to 
form  into  praying,  societies  pious  Christians  in  different 
places  visited  by  him.  Such  societies  are  peculiarly  useful 
to  those  who  do  not  enjoy  the  stated  preaching  of  the  Gos- 
pel; and  missionaries  render  them  signal  benefit,  when  they 
succeed  in  forming  such  religious  associations.  It  will  be 
gratifying  to  the  Assembly  to  hear  select  parts  of  Mr.  Per- 
kins’ journal:  and  especially  a letter  from  a very  respecta- 
ble character,  giving  an  account  of  a considerable  revival 
of  religion  ascribed  to  the  preaching  of  Air.  Perkins,  as  the 
means  honored  by  the  divine  Spirit  in  producing  it. 

EXTRACTS  FRO  AT  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
KEY.  JOHN  I>.  PERKINS 

At  Schenectady,  State  of  New-York,  July  22,  1812, 
I obtained  information  about  missionary  ground,  and  on 
23rd.  commenced  my  course,  according  to  advice,  and  rode 
to  Bern  18  miles.  On  the  way,  by  the  side  of  a wood,  I saw 
8 or  10  Indians,  all  busily  employed  in  making  brooms. 
Aly  curiosity  was  excited  to  ask  them  a number  of  questions. 
One  middle  aged  woman,  with  her  two  young  daughters, 
were  the  only  ones  that  spake  English.  With  her  1 had 
considerable  conversation.  She  told  me  that  they  were  of 
;!ie  Stockbridge  tribe — that  many  of  their  people  worked 
the  fields,  as  hunting  was  not  good  of  late  years — that 
they  had  schools  taught  by  Mr.  Sergeant,  who  also  preach- 
ed to  them — that  he  had  about  30  Christian  w omen  belong- 
ing to  his  church,  and  a few  men.  She  was  a believer  her- 


self,  but  not  a true  believer — not  bom  again — not  a Chris- 
tian— not  a member  of  the  Church. — She  wished  to  be  con- 
verted, and  talked  sensibly  and  feelingly  about  Jesus  Christ 
-—what  he  came  into  the  world  for — and  shed  many  tears 
when  telling  that  he  died  to  save  sinners.  Her  two  young 
daughters  read  in  my  hearing,  some  passages  in  a small 
catechism,  published  by  I.  E.  Latta,  which  I gave  the 
mother.  They  had  been  taught  at  Mr.  Sergeant’s  school. 
She  promised  that  the  children  should  read  it  to  her,  and 
learn  it.  I then  gave  them  some  plain  talk,  and  prayed 
with  them.  They  all  attended  with  silenee  and  solemnity. 
The  woman  appeared  affected;  and,  when  1 rose  from 
prayer,  I discovered  her  wiping  her  eyes. 

Spent  Sabbath-evening  6th.  Sept,  in  religious  conver- 
sation and  prayer,  w ith  people  who  came  to  Esq.  Taylor’s, 
where  I lodged;  who  treated  me  with  great  hospitality,  and 
appeared  to  be  desirous  of  promoting  the  cause  of  religion 
in  his  vicinity.  In  this  place  (Hadley  on  the  Hudson)  the 
Lord  Jesus  has  made  a remarkable  display  of  the  freeness 
and  sovereignty  of  his  grace,  in  the  case  of  a young  man,  a 
physician,  who  had  been  personally  acquainted  with  Thom- 
as Paine,  had  embraced  his  infidel  sentiments,  and  was  very 
profane  audjdissipated.  After  more  than  a year’s  fighting 
against  the  convictions  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  (which  w ere  so 
powerful,  and  his  stubboruess  so  great,  like  a ; bullock  unac- 
customed to  the  yoke,’  as  to  bring  him  to  a bed  of  long 
confinement,  and  the  most  awful  desperation  of  mind,)  he 
has  become  an  humble,  zealous  and  exemplary  Christian. 
As  soon  as  his  health  is  recovered,  and  lie  qualified  by 
preparatory  studies,  he  designs  to  go  forth  to  the  world,  and 
preach  that  Jesus  whom  he  for  many  years  fully  believed 
to  be  an  impostor ; w hose  name  he  habitually  blasphemed, 
whose  religion  he  thought  foolishness  and  a very  base  im- 
position on  the  world. 

In  my  preaching,  on  this  Sabbath,  I w as  led  to  dwell 
much  on  the  awful  depravity,  and  completely  desperate 
state  of  man,  without  a Saviour.  As  this  man  had  been 
made  to  know  these  truths  by  long  and  very  painful  expe- 
rience, the  discourse  was  calculated  to  arrest  his  attention. 
He  told  me,  on  Monday,  that  but  a few  years  ago  he  w ould 
have  been  provoked  enough  to  have  interrupted  and  abu- 
sed a man  w ho  should  have  preached  such  a discourse  in  his 
hearing.  “ Indeed  1 had  (to  use  his  own  expressions.)  en- 
mity in  my  heart  enough  to  have  taken  his  life  ; Iliad  such 
ideas  of  the  dignity  and  perfectabiiity  of  the  human  nature.” 
He  told  Esq.  T.  that  he  heard  more  preaching  that  day, 
than  all  that  he  had  ever  heard  in  that  place  before. 


.21 


These*  are  very  desirous  for  English  preaching,  would 
.contribute  liberally  towards  the  support  of  it,  and  had  a 
slight  prospect  of  obtaining  a part  of  a minister’s  labours. 
On  enquiring  for  people  who  would  be  willing  to  be  visited 
by  a minister,  1 w as  told  of  a woman  who  was  thought  to  be 
« in  a strange  way  about  religion.”  On  my  going  to  her 
house,  she  was  so  much  overcome  with  joy,  at  the  visit 
from  one  whom  she  looked  upon  as  a minister  of  Christ, 
that,  between  alternate  laughing  and  weeping,  it  was  full 
20  minutes  before  she  could  converse  calmly.  She  inform- 
ed me  that  about  tw  o years  before  she  began  to  be  awaken*- 
ed  ; that  for  more  than  a year  she  was  struggling,  alone, 
with  powerful  convictions  and  distressing  alarms,  without 
any  religious  friend  to  instruct  or  encourage  her; — that,  for 
about  half  a year,  she  had  been  relieved  from  her  distress, 
and  was  enabled  “ to  rejoice  in  the  Lord  and  joy  in  the  God 
of  her  salvation.”  The  Bible  w as  now  a new  book,  all 
light  and  delightful.  Her  only  distress  was  for  her  chil- 
dren, as  they  lived  in  a place  where  they  could  learn  little 
else  than  wickedness.  Her  eldest  child,  a daughter  of  15 
or  15  years,  being  called  into  the  room,  I conversed  with 
her,  and  found  her  to  be  under  considerable  aw  akening, 
which  she  had  not  made  know  n to  her  mother.  This  w as  a 
source  of  new  joy  and  encouragement  to  the  mother.  She 
told  me  of  two  women,  in  the  village,  whom  she  believed 
to  be  religious,  and  went  with  me  to  see  them.  One  we 
found  at  home,  who  w ept  freely  with  joy,  at  my  calling 
to  see  her.  I proposed  to  them  the  plan  of  their  meeting  to- 
gether as  often  as  they  eould,  and  ottering  up  their  united 
prayers  for  the  out  pouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  more  almud- 
dantly  upon  themselves,  their  families,  and  the  village. 
They  professed  to  be  much  pleased,  and  promised  to  make 
the  trial.  I cannot  but  enjoy  the  hope,  that  the  Lord  is 
about  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon  this  wicked  settlement. 

80th.  Rode  11  miles  to  the  Rev.  Stephen  Fenn’s,  Har- 
persfield.  Here  1 could  not  get  away  from  my  old  friend, 
till  I had  speut  one  day  with  him,  ami  preached  on  Wednes- 
day and  Thursday  evenings  to  his  people,  where  they  meet 
for  social  prayer,  reading,  singing  and  religious  conversa- 
tion. Mr  Fenn  has  been  settled  in  this  place  15  or  10  years, 
and  been  so  highly  honored  of  the  Lord,  as  to  be  made  the 
visible  instrument  of  three  general  revivals  of  religion,  in 
his  congregation.  The  last  was  about  a year  ago.  Plain, 
unlearned  farmers,  with  their  families,  have  been  in  the 
practice,  for  several  years,  of  meeting  together,  on  week- 
day evenings,  in  ditferent  parts  of  the  Society,  for  the  purr 


Speaking  a!'  ir^abilcats  cf  a lUaos  near  Duaueslmrg. 


pose  of  social  prater,  singing,  reading,  anil  religious  con- 
versation. These  meetings  they  manage  themselves. 

EXTRACT  OF  A LETTER  TO  Mr.  PERKINS. 

Dear  sir. 

Since  you  left  this  place,  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion lias  exceedingly  flourished  among  us.  Between  50 
and  BO  persons,  chiefly  young  persons,  have  in  this  vicinity, 
within  the  last  three  months,  given  evidences  of  having 
passed  from  death  unto  life.  Of  most  I think  it  can  truly 
be  said  in  the  language  of  the  prophet,  that  they  “rejoice 
in  the  Lord,  and  joy  in  the  God  of  their  salvation.”  And  I 
trust  it  will  comfort  you,  after  your  fatigues  and  labours, 
to  know,  that  there  is  great  reason  to  believe  that  this  revi- 
val Is  the  early  fruit  of  the  Gospel  seed  which  you  have 
sowed.  Very  many  of  your  remarks  are  still  repeated 
among  us,  and  your  name  often  mentioned  with  affection, 
in  our  conference  meetings.  In  pursuance  of  your  adv.ee, 
prayer  meetings  and  conferences  were  established,  shortly 
after  you  left  ns,  and  ha  ve  been  j egularly  continued  on  Sun- 
day and  Thursday  evenings  until  now.’’ 

EXTRACT  OF  A LETTER,  FROM  A CONVERTED 
INFIDEL,  TO  MR.  PERKINS. 

Praise  and  hallelujah  be  to  God  the  Father,  Son  and 
Holy  Spirit,  that  he  has,  in  some  degree,  poured  out  his 
Spirit  among  us,  and  brought  several  to  acknowledge  his 
sovereignly,  while  others  are  inquiring  the  way  to  Zion. 
I think  the  righteous  Redeemer  is  among  us  sometimes. 
The  Holy  Spirit  at  times  lills  each  breast  with  gratitude, 
and  eyes  with  tears.  We  have  lately  appointed,  and  at- 
tended conference  meetings,  twice  a week,  with  evident 
blessings  attending. 

Pray  for  us,  dear  sir,  that  our  strength  may  be  sufficient 
for  the  day;  that  God  would  give  us  faith.  Oh  that  every 
Christian  would  live  his  religion  visibly. 


The  Rev.  Jonr\  Gloucester  has  performed  fiis  mis- 
sion of  three  months,  to  the  people  of  colour  in  Philadelphia. 
It  is  believed  that  he  is  doing  considerable  good  among  this 
class  of  people,  and  that,  in  due  time,  he  will  have  a res- 
pectable congregation. 


.23 


Thf.  Rev.  Alexander  Cook  performed  his  mission? 
of  four  months,  within  the  limits  of  the  Presbyteries  of 
Hartford  and  Lancaster,  and  on  the  Monongahela.  His 
letter  contains  the  following  extract  front  a letter  of  a cor- 
respondent: “ Myself  and  family  would  be  glad  to  see  you 
once  more,  if  so  ordered  and  convenient  for  you;  and  not 
we  only,  but  the  great  body  of  the  people  also.  Permit 
me  to  assure  you,  that  the  meetings  we  have  had  together 
are  still  remembered  with  pleasure.  On  last  Saturday, 
an  aged  woman  intimated  to  me,  that  your  last  sermon  was 
the  means  of  opening  her  eyes  to  see  herself  a lost  sinner, 
unless  she  found  refuge  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.”  Speak- 
ing of  his  meetings,  Mr.  Cook  says,  “ I trust  some  sucli 
seasons  will  he  remembered  to  the  glory  of  Cod  in  the  sal- 
vation of  souls.” 


The  R ev.  James  Hughs  laboured  as  a missionary, 
for  two  months,  in  the  state  of  Ohio,  at  discretion.  He 
travelled  900  miles,  preaehed  36  times,  administered  the 
.Lord’s  supper  twice,  baptized  16  children,  generally  ex- 
pounded the  sacred  Scriptures  to  families  where  he  lodg- 
ed, and  often  conversed  with  families  and  individuals.  So- 
lemnity frequently  pervaded  the  audienees  to  whom  Mr. 
Hugh’s  ministered;  aud  in  several  of  lliem  a number  were 
considerably  affected.  In  one  place,  three  or  four  persons 
were  subjects  of  bodily  exeTcise.  The  congregation  of  Har- 
mony, in  the  neighbourhood  ofUrbana,  exhibited  very  en- 
couraging and  promising  appearances. 


The  Rev.  Thomas  Clelaxd  was  appointed,  far  two 
months,  in  the  counties  of  Harlan,  Grason,  Adair 
Kentucky.  From  parts  of  his  journal  which  the  Committee 
have  selected  for  reading,  it  will  appear  that  a divine  bless- 
ing attended  his  labours;  and  that  the  church  organized 
by  him,  on  his  last  mission,  is  likely  to  obtain  a settled  minis- 
ter. Mr.  Cleland  rode  between  6 and  700  miles,  preached 
62  sermons,  exhorted  5 times,  adiuinisiered  the  sacrament  of 
our  Lord’s  Supper  twice,  and  baptized  4 children.  As  he 
is  about  removing  from  his  present  to  another  settlement, 
he  iuforms  the  Committee,  it  will  he  w holly  out  of  his  pow  er 
to  perform  any  missionary  duty,  this  year.  At  the  request 
of  this  active  and  zealous  missionary,  the  Committee  lender 


,24. 


fie  Assembly  liis  thanks  for  (be  confidence  Intberto  placed 
him. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
KEY.  THOMAS  CLELAND. 

I bare  been  under  tlie  necessity  of  filling;  up  my  (ime 
by  spending  a day  liere,  and  a day  (here,  and  sometimes 
four  or  five  in  succession,  as  I could  find  it  most  suitable. 
The  intervals  between  the  dates  in  the  following;  journal  were 
Bccasioned  partly  from  tbe  circumstances  just  mentioned, 
and  partly  because  in  some  of  my  short  tours,  I frequent- 
ly preached  in  places  that  I could  not  so  well  recognize  as 
missionary  ground.  Where  I thought  ibis  to  be  tbe  case, 
I took  no  account  of  it  in  my  journal.  The  following  w ill 
exhibit  a brief  view  of  my  progress. 

May  18.  Rode  fi  miles,  and  preached  to  a respectable 
congregation.  Many  were  in  tears.  After  sermon  bap- 
tized 5 children. 

June  3d.  Preached  at  the  same  place  to  a similar  audi- 
ence. 4tl».  Rode  10  miles,  and  preached  to  a very  attentive 
and  solemn  assembly.  In  the  afternoon,  rode  10  miles, 
and  preached  two  hours  before  sunset  to  a large  assembly 
of  people  in  a grove,  the  house  not  being  large  enough  t* 
contain  them.  The  place  appeared  to  he  solemn  and  awful. 
5th.  Through  mistake  or  inattention,  no  appointment  had 
been  made  for  me.  10th.  Preached  to  an  attentive  and 
w eeping  assembly.  14tli.  Preached,  17  miles  from  home,  in 
Casey  county,  at  a vacant  house  of  worship,  called  the 
Rockv-ford  meeting-house.  It  being  tbe  Sabbath  day,  the 
congregation  was  very  large,  and  many  shed  tears — had 
many  solicitations  to  visit  them  again,  which  I promised 
to  do,  and  left  an  appointment.  Rode  that  evening  12 
miles,  and  preached  a short  sermon,  on  u Time  is  short.” 
The  assembly  was  small.  The  lady  of  the  house  was 
much  affected,  and  has  lately  solicited  the  privileges  of  the 
church.  24th.  Rode  10  miles,  and  preached  to  an  attentive 
congregation  in  the  hills  of  the  Rolling  Fork,  Cassey  county. 
Rode  3 miles  in  the  evening,  and  preached  by  candle  light. 
A number  appeared  to  be  very  solemn,  and  some  wrept 
aloud.  25tli.  Rode  13  miles,  and  preached  to  about  CO 

Sersons,  many  of  w hom  w ere  very  solemn  and  wept  abun- 
antly  at  the  close  of  the  discourse. 

July  5th.  Returned  to  Rocky  Ford,  agreeably  to  ap- 
pointment, and  preached  to  a very  large,  attentive  and 
weeping  congregation- 


23rd.  la  \he  evening  rode  6 miles  up  Green  river,  and 
preached  at  Mr.  McWhorter’s,  in  a Baptist  settlement. 
The  house  was  crowded.  They  were  attentive  until  I had 
finished  discourse  and  had  prayed — was  about  to  sing 
the  last  hymn  hut  was  forestalled  by  an  enthusiastic  kind  of 
man,  who  started  a song  with  a lively  tune.  Several  young 
women  began  to  jirk  backw  ards  and  forwards.  The  seats 
were  immediately  removed,  1o  afford  room  and  prevent 
them  from  heir. . ' .urt.  One  young  w oman  had  w hat  I call,  the 
whirling  e&e  'Jsc.  She  went  round  like  a top,  I think  at 
least,  3o  times  in  a minute,  and  continued,  without  the  smal- 
lest intermission,  .‘‘or  at  least  an  hour.  It  far  exceeded  any 
thing  of  the  kind  I ever  saw.  I was  told  she  had  had  the 
7/  ' s nearly  three  years.  She  did  not  appear  exhausted— 
compl  hied  of  pain  if  the  bv-stauders  did  not  continue  sing- 
in  ’ T became  perfectly  tired — my  preaching  seemed  to  be 
ail  gone  and  to  have  been  rather  in  the  w ay  from  what  took 
place  af<  erwards.  I remonstrated  w ith  some  of  them,  and 
cautioned  them. 

28th.  In  the  afternoon  rode  10  miles  to  Cumberland 
bottom.  Mr.  Hall  preached  to  about  50  persons  ; after 
which  I gave  an  exhortation.  Not  one  in  the  house,  I be- 
lieve, hut  what  was  in  tears,  and  the  most  of  them  w ept 
alond.  29th.  We  rode  about  .30  miles,  and  both  preached 
at  night  to  a cro  vded  and  attentive  assembly,  in  Green  coun- 
ty. The  professors  in  this  neighbourhood  are  principally 
separate  Baptists.  30th.  Rode  7 or  8 miles,  and  both  preach- 
ed to  a respectable  assembly,  some  of  w horn  were  very  so- 
lemn. and  some  wept.  Rode  6 miles,  and  met  with  a 
crowded  assembly  at  night.  Mr.  Hall  preached,  and  I 
gave  an  exhortation.  This  was  a solemn  evening ; many 
were  much  affected. 


The  Rev.  W.  John  Doak  performed  a mission  of  six 
weeks,  on  missionary  ground  between  Fincastle  and  Green- 
ville, in  East  Tennessee.  The  labours  of  Mr.  Doak  w ere 
at  two  different  times,  interrupted,  by  a hoarseness  produced 
by  inclement  w eather  and  preaching  in  small  and  crow  ded 
rooms.  He  represents  the  region  through  which  he  passed* 
as  being  in  a very  destitute  condition  in  regard  to  Ihe  public 
means  of  grace.  His  labours,  it  is  hoped,  have  not  been 
in  vain.  In  Providence  church,  he  preached  on  a Sahhatli- 
day  to  a large  audience,  many  of  whom  had  to  remain  out 
of  doors  : and  of  that  day  he  observes,  it  w as  one  the  of  most 
solemn  that  he  ever  witnessed.  Speaking  of  a leeture  de- 

D 5 


20 


livered  in  Salem  Church,  he  says,  “I  hare  reason  to  believe 
that  God's  blessing,  attending  that  discourse,  made  it  pro- 
fitable to  many  souls.  At  another  place  w ere  he  preached, 
lie  says,  u A considerable  number  were  unable  to  conceal 
their  emotions,  and  a few  cases  of  considerable  bodily  agi- 
tations appeared  in  the  congregation.” 


The  Rev.  William  Paisley  was  appointed  a mis- 
sionary, for  three  months,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina,  near  the  boundary  line  between  the 
two  states.  Mr.  Paisley  travelled,  during  his  mission, 
600  miles,  and  preached  44  times.  The  labours  of  this 
missionary  seem  to  have  been  frequently  attended  with  the 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  In  Edenton,  North  Carolina, 
his  preaching  appeared  to  be  blest.  Selected  parts  of  his 
journal  will  be  heard  with  pleasure.  Mr.  Paisley  was  pre- 
vented from  serving  out  his  w hole  term.  He  spent  only  50 
days  in  missionary  labours;  but,  in  consideration  of  his  dili- 
gence and  success,  the  Committee  recommend  allowing  hi® 
f alary  for  two  months. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE 
REV.  WILLIAM  PAISLEY. 

Thursday , Dec.  24,  1812,  1 left  home,  and  travelled 
25  miles.  Friday  25th.  Preached  at  Bethesda  Church,  Cas- 
well county,  North  Carolina,  to  a large  congregation,  who 
were  very  attentive  and  solemn,  and  some  deeply  affected 
under  the  preaching  of  the  w ord.  1 appointed  prayer  meet- 
ing in  the  evening,  at  1.  Ovi’s  Esq.  where  about  200  people 
attended.  There  a number  were  brought  to  cry  out,  Lord, 
w hat  shall  1 do  to  be  saved  ?”  and  the  people  of  God  enjoy- 
ed a sw'eet  soul-refreshing  season.  There  I baptized  one 
adult  and  three  infants. 

Saturday  26th.  Attended  an  appointment  at  Rattle- 
snake Church,  Caswell  county,  N.  C.  where  I met  with 
the  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Meroney,  w ho  preached  to  a solemn  and 
attentive  congregation.  We  appointed  a meeting  in  the 
evening,  at  James  Montgomery’s,  where  there  was  much 
weeping  and  affection  among  the  people.  There  1 bapti- 
zed 3 infants  and  one  adult. 

Tuesday  29th.  Preached  at  Capt.  Williamson’s,  Meck- 
linburg,  Virginia,  to  about  300  people.  It  pleased  the 
Lord  to  make  that  a day  of  his  pow  er  to  the  people.  Eve- 
ry ear  appeared  attentive;  almost  every  eye  rolling  in  tears; 


,27, 


the  children  of  Zion  were  refreshed ; and  sinners  were  made 
to  weep  and  cry. 

Sabbath,  .Tan.  10,  1813.  Preached  at  Wiceacon  chap- 
el, Hereford  county,  N.  C.  to  about  200  people.  It  may  be 
said  indeed,  the  Lord  was  there,  and  caused  his  grace  to  be 
felt.  A number  appeared  much  impressed. 

Friday  15tli.  Preached  at  Ballard’s  Bridge  church, 
Chowan  county,  N.  C.  to  about  150  people.  They  were 
very  attentive,  and  solemn;  and  some  much  affected. 

Saturday  16th.  Preached  at  Sandyridge  church,  to 
about  200  people.  A sense  of  the  Divine  presence  seemed 
to  rest  on  the  congregation.  The  word  was  attended  with 
power;  many  in  tears  appeared  to  be  deeply  convicted, 
and  the  hearts  of  God’s  people  M ere  comforted.  I rode  to 
Edenton,  a town  on  Albermarle  Sound,  containing  about 
1700  Inhabitants.  In  that  town  a very  great  reformation 
has  taken  place,  in  the  space  of  two  or  three  years ; some 
hundreds  profess  to  have  obtained  converting  grace;  and 
there  are  numbers  at  present  under  very  serious  impressions. 
A goodly  number  of  those  who  have  obtained  a hope  through 
grace,  say,  that  they  received  their  past  impressions  under 
the  preaching! See.  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Hall,  and  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  H.  Rice,  the  missionaries  that  were  sent  to  them, 
by  the  Committee  of  Missions  of  the  General  Assembly. 
But  having  no  Presbyterian  Society,  or  ministers  of  that 
denomination  near  them,  they  have  attached  themselves  ei- 
ther to  the  Baptist  or  Methodist  churches.  Each  of  these 
denominations  has  now  each  a large  meeting-house,  and  a 
large  society  in  Edenton,  w here,  a few'  years  ago,  but  very 
few  religious  people  were  to  be  found. 

Sabbath  17th.  Preached  in  Edenton,  at  11  o’clock,  A. 
M.  in  the  Baptist  Chrrrch,  to  nearly  1000  people.  Solem- 
nity and  attention  rested  on  almost  every  countenance,  I 
believe  the  Great  Master  of  assemblies  was  present.  Preach- 
ed again  at  3 o’clock  P.  M.  in  the  Methodist  Church.  The 
house  was  crow  ded,  and  numbers  around  could  not  get  in. 
That  was  an  afternoon  in  which  the  power  of  God  wasmaiH 
i fested ; the  word  reached  the  hearts  of  the  people;  such  weep- 
ing but  seldom  seen;  scarcely  an  unaffected  person  could  be 
observed  in  tihe  large  assembly.  Preached  again  at  six 
o’clock  in  the  evening,  in  the  Baptist  church,  to  a crowd- 
ed assembly,  who  were  deeply  affected  under  the  word 
preached. 

Monday  18th.  I travelled,  on  towards  Perquemon 
county,  N.  C.  19th.  Preached  at  Bethel  meeting-house  to 
about  250  people,  who  were  attentive  and  serious,  and  some 
much  affected.  20th.  Preached  at  Hatford  town,  to  a large 


,28, 


congregation.  Numbers  appeared  much  impressed;  tears 
bedewed  almost  every  cheek. 

2ist.  Preached  at  Betlilehem  Church,  Pasquotank 
county,  N.  C.  to  about  too  people,  who  appeared  very  at- 
tentive anii  solemn.  32nd.  Preached  at  Salem  meeting-house 
to  about  200  people.  That  was  a solemn  day;  a number 
appeared  much  affected.  23rd.  Travelled  back  towards 
Edenton. 

Sabbath  24-th.  Preached  at  Edenton,  in  the  Baptist 
church,  to  a large  assembly.  Numbers  were  solemn  and 
affected.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  in  the  Methodist  Church, 
to  a much  larger  assembly.  They  were  soon  overwhelmed 
in  tears;  and  numbers  could  not  keep  their  sobs  from  being 
turned  into  loud  cries.  Preached  again  in  the  evening,  at 
the  same  place.  The  house  was  crowded  : and  the  word 
was  accompanied  with  power  to  the  hearts  of  many;  in- 
deed, it  would  have  been  difficult  to  have  found  an  unaf- 
fected person  in  the  large  assembly. 

27th.  Preached  in  the  evening,  in  the  MethodistCliurch, 
to  a large  congregation,  where  the  power  of  God  attended 
the  word ; numbers  w ere  deeply  affected,  and  some  were 
made  to  ci  v aloud  for  mercy- 

Monday,  Feb.  1st.  Preached  at  Sandy-ridge  meeting- 
house, 12  miles  from  Edenton,  Chow  an  county.  It  was  a 
day  of  seriousness  and  solemnity;  scarcely  a person  was  to 
be  found  in  the  congregation  that  w as  unimpressed.  2nd. 
Preached  at  Ballard's  Bridge  Church,  to  about  300  peo- 
ple. That  day  appeared,  literally  speaking,  a day  of 
weeping.  Almost  the  whole  congregation  was  much  af- 
fected under  the  word.  4th.  and  5th.  1 rode  on  my  way  to- 
wards home.  6th.  Preached  at  Deep- creek  Church,  Hal- 
ifax county,  N.  C.  to  a small  assembly.  They  w ere  solemn 
and  attentive,  and  some  impressed,  feabbath  7th.  Preach- 
ed in  Halifax,  to  a large  congregation.  That  Sabbath 
was  a most  solemn  day.  A number  of  Christians  were  so 
filled  w ith  joy  that  they  could  scarcely  contain  themselves; 
and  sinners  w ere  made  to  w eep  and  cry,  being  deeply  im- 
pressed with  a sense  of  the  important  truths  brought  into 
view  8th.  Preaehcd  at  Rocky-swamp  Church,  Halifax 
county,  to  about  300  people,  a very  serious  and  attentive 
audience.  Some  of  the  hearers  were  deeply  affected. 


30 


T HE  FOLLOWING  REPORT  HAS  FEES’  RECEIVED  FROM 
THE  SrSOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

To  (lie  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Missions  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

Sir, 

The  Synod  of  Virginia,  during  the  last  year,  have 
liad  in  their  employ,  for  short  periods,  four  missionaries. 
The  whole  time  spent  by  them  in  missionary  labours,  a- 
monnts  to  14  months.  The  journals  of  the  missionaries  ex- 
hibit nothing  remarkable,  or  worth  communicating  to  the 
General  Assembly.  The  Synod  has  funds,  abundantly  suf- 
ficient to  compensate  their  missionaries,  and  more  if  suita- 
ble ones  could  be  found. 

By  order  of  the  Synod, 
SAMUEL  BROWN,  Stated  Clerk,  S.  V. 


THF  FOLLOWING  UNOFFICIAL  REPORT  HAS  BEEN  RECZI~ 
VED  IN  REGARD  TO  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE 
BOARD  OF  TRUST  OF,  THE  STNOD  OF  PITTSBURGH, 
ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  MISSIONS. 

It  will  appear  from  the  last  report  that  the  mission  and 
school,  at  Sandusky  were  suspended,  for  the  reasons  assign- 
ed in  that  report. 

In  the  Spring  of  1813,  the  Board  of  Trust,  apprehen- 
sive that  war  would  he  declared,  and  in  that  case  the  prop- 
erty at  the  station  would  be  lost,  sent  out  two  members  to 
secure  he  property,  or  make  sale  of  it,  if  it  appeared  ad- 
visable to  them  w hen  on  the  spot.  The  committee  sold  the 
property,  which  amounted  to  about  §T 00;  and  let  out  the 
farm  to  be  occupied  on  the  shares.  .20  acres  of  corn  was 
raised,  which  w ould  have  at  least  produced  1000  bushels  ; 
hut  it  was  destroyed  last  fall  by  t he  army,  for  which  we 
have  as  vet  received  no  compensation. 

The  Indians  formerly  attending  at  the  missionary  sta- 
tion, with  few  exceptions,  continue  friendly  to  the  United 
States:  (50  of  the  young  men  are  in  our  army.  The  rest 
about  TOO  remain  neutral  at  Sandusky. 

Barnet,  who  had  been  reported  as  eminently  pious, 
died  last  fall  of  a fever;  and  from  all  accounts  experienced 
the  comforts,  and  manifested  tlie  power  of  divine  grace  to 
his  last.  His  son  is  at  school,  ant!  lives  with  a member  of 
the  Board  of  Trust.  We  employed  one  missionary  for 


three  months  lasf  winter.  Nothing  interesting  in  his  jour* 
nal.  We  have  one  missionary  now  out,  who  is  fo  enquire 
into  the  situation  of  the  friendly  Indians,  and  whether  it 
might  he  advisable  to  make  any  attempts  to  renew  the 
missions  in  present  circumstances.  But  this  is  doubtful. 
The  field  of  mission  is  extensive,  and  the  demands  for  mis- 
sionaries great;  but  missionaries  sufficiently  qualified  are 
hard  to  obtain. 

Our  funds  .at  present  amount  to  above  £1500;  and  the 
Board  of  Trust  contemplate  employing  several  missiona- 
ries iu  the  course  of  this  year. 

THOMAS  MARQUES, 
ELISHA  MACURDV. 


The  Committee  are  sorry  to  state  to  the  Assembly, 
that,  owing  to  different  circumstances,  the  mission  to  the 
Cherokee  Indians  has  not  been  revived.  A plan  was  sub- 
mitted to  the  last  Assembly,  for  employing,  by  means  of  a. 
co-operation  with  the  New-Jersey  Missionary  Society,  two 
missionaries  among  that  tribe.  The  plan  was  approved; 
and  an  expectation  was  then  indulged  of  obtaining  two  young 
men,  educated  for  the  ministry  in  the  Divinity  College  at 
Andover.  This  expectation  has  been  disappointed.  The 
young  men,  for  reasons  stated  by  them  in  a letter  to  the 
New-Jersey  Missionary  Society,  and  communicated  to  this 
Committee,  have  declined  the  Mission.  The  Committee, 
taken  into  consideration  the  hostile  attitude  of  the  Indian 
nations,  and  the  probability  of  the  Cherokees  being  invol- 
ved in  war,  judged  it  inexpedient  to  make  for  the  present 
any  further  efforts  for  renewing  the  mission  to  that  tribe; 
and  have  communicated  to  the  New-Jersey  Missionary  So- 
ciety this  as  their  opinion. 


81 


THE  FOLLOWING  MISSIONARY  APPOINT- 
MENTS WERE  MADE  BY  THE  LAST 
GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


Resolved,  That  the  following’  Missionaries  be  appointed,  and  that  the  follow* 
Jng  Presbyteries  be  authorized  to  employ  Missionaries,  on  Missionary  ground  with- 
in their  respective  bounds. 

1.  The  Rev.  Asabel  Stone,  for  three  months,  in  the  north  eastern  part  of 
New  York,  along  lake  Champlain. 

2.  The  Presbytery  of  Columbia,  to  employ  a Missionary  for  two  months. 

3.  The  Presbytery  of  Geneva,  to  employ  a missionary  for  two  months. 

4.  The  ReY.  Jedidiah  Chapman,  for  three  months,  in  the  Genessee  country, 
at  discretion. 

5.  The  Rev.  Oliver  Wetmore,  for  two  months,  within  the  limits  of  the  One- 
ida  Presbytery. 

6.  The  Rev.  Oliver  Ayer,  for  one  month,  in  the  Holland  purchase. 

7.  The  Rev.  Joshua  Johnson,  for  two  months,  on  Missionary  ground,  within 
the  limits  of  the  Presbytery  of  Onondaga  and  its  vicinity  ; and  one  month,  on  the 
great  bend  of  the  Susquehannah,  and  its  vicinity. 

8.  The  Rev.  Andrew  Rawson,  one  month,  in  the  counties  of  Madison  and 
Onondaga,  state  of  New  York;  and  two  months  in  the  Holland  purchase. 

9.  The  Presbytery  of  Cayuga,  to  employ  a Missionary  or  Missionaries,  for  four 
months,  within  their  limits  and  vicinity. 

Id.  Mr.  Ezekiel  Glasgow  for  one  month,  from  Beavertown  to  Steubenville. 

11.  Tile  Rev.  Eliphalet  Price,  for  one  month,  in  Dutchess  county,  state  of 
New  York. 

12.  Mr.  Robert  F.  N.  Smith,  for  six  weeks,  in  Dutchess  county ; New  York 
and  three  months  in  Acomack  and  Northampton  counties,  Virginia. 

13.  The  Presbytery  of  Hudson  to  direct  a mission,  for  three  months,  on  mis- 
sionary ground,  within  their  limits  ; and  to  divide  the  lime  between  the  Mission- 
aries as  they  may  judge  most  conducive  to  the  interest  of  the  Mission. 

14.  The  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  for  three  months,  at  discretion,  in  the  county  of 
West  Ohester,  state  of  New  York, 

15.  The  Presbytery  of  Jersey  to  employ  a Missionary  for  three  months. 

16.  The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  employ  a Missionary  or  Mission- 
aries. for  three  months. 

17.  The  Rev.  John  Gloucester,  for  three  months,  to  the  blacks  in  Philadel- 
phia. 

18.  The  Rev.  David  Elliot,  for  fmc  month,  in  the  extreme  parts  of  the  Carlisle 
Presbytery,  beginning  at  Williamsport,  and  proceeding  up  the  river  Potomac. 

19.  The  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  to  employ  two  Missionaries,  for  one  month 
each,  in  the  extreme  parts  of  that  Presbytery,  and  of  Huntingdon  Presbytery. 

20.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Hunt,  for  three  months  ; part  in  Tyger’s  Valley  and 
the  adjacent  country,  and  part  near  to  Wooster  and  Mansfield,  in  the  state  of  Ohio  ; 
and  one  month  in  the  suburbs  and  vicinity  of  Pittsburgh. 

21.  The  Rev.  Elisha  Maecurdy,  for  one  month,  at  discretion. 

22.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Marques,  for  one  month,  at  discretion. 

23.  The  Rev.  Alexander  Cooke,  for  three  months;  one  half  of  the  time  to 
be  spent  within  the  limits  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Hartford  and  Lancaster  ; and  the 
other  half,  on  the  Monongahela,  from  about  eighty  or  ninety  miles  above  Pitts- 
burgh. 

24.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Moore,  for  three  months,  along  the  Alleghany  river 
towards  the  Holland  purchase. 

25.  The  Rev.  Cyrus  Riggs,  for  two  months,  within  the  limits  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Erie, 

26.  The  Presbytery  of  Hartford  to  employ*  a Missionary  for  two  months, 

I within  their  bounds. 

27.  The.  Rev.  James  Hughs,  for  four  months,  in  the  country  yoand  abo1.;* 
Vrbaua,  state  of  Ohio,  at  discretion. 


23.  The  Rev,  John  Boyd,  for  six  weeks,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Washington. 

29.  The  Presbytery  of  Washington  to  employ  a Missionary,  for  three  months. 

30.  The  Rev.  Joseph  Stevenson,  for  one  month,  on  the  head  waters  of  Grave 
Creek.  Ten  Mile,  and  Wbeelen. 

31.  The  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Hughs,  for  six  weeks,  on  the  waters  of  Scioto,  Big- 
belly,  Allom,  and  Whitestone. 

32.  The  Rev.  Stephen  Bovellc,  one  month,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Abingdon. 

33.  The  Rev.  James  M‘G ready,  for  three  mouths,  within  the  limits  of  Muh- 
lenberg Presbytery. 

34.  Mr.  John  R.  Moreland,  for  three  months,  in  the  counties  of  Knox,  and 
Rock-castle,  Kentucky,  and  to  continue  his  rout  through  the  back  parts  of  those 
counties  adjoining  the  line  that  divides  Kentucky  and  East  Tennessee. 

35.  The  Rev.  Joseph  D.  iiow,  for  two  months,  in  the  lower  part  of  Kentucky, 
and  West  Tennessee. 

36.  The  P-ev.  William  Robison , for  two  months,  on  the  Miami  and  White- 
water. 

37.  The  Presbytery,  of  West  Lexington  to  employ  a Missionary  for  three 
months,  in  the  counties  of  Gallatin,  Boone,  Pendleton,  IlarrisoD,  Nicholas,  aud 
Bath. 

38.  Mr.  Samuel  Doake,  for  six  vr-oks;  commencing  his  route  at  Fincastle, 
aud  proceeding  thence  on  missionary  ground  to  Grenville,  East  Tennessee. 

39.  Mr.  William  >1* Dowell,  lor  six  months,  betweeu  Washington  and  St. 
Mary's. 

40.  The  Rev.  William.  Paisley,  for  six  weeks,  in  the  eastern  pat#  of  North* 
Carolina. 

41.  Mr.  Robert  Tate,  for  two  months,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  North  Carolina. 

42.  The  Rev.  Nathan  Hall,  for  three  months,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Transyl- 
vania Presbytery. 

43.  The  Presbytery  of  Northumberland  to  employ  a Missionary  for  two  months. 

44.  The  Presbytery  of  Redstone  to  employ  a Missionary  for  three  mouths, 
within  their  limits. 

45.  The  Rev.  James  Kemper,  for  three  weeks,  in  Stafford,  Fauquier,  Cul- 
pepper, ami  Madison  counties,  in  til**  Northern  Neck,  Virginia. 

46.  The  Presbytery  of  Concord  to  employ  a Missionary,  for  two  months, 
within  their  bounds. 

Resolved,  that  the  Committee  of  Musiot  s be  authorized  to  employ  as  many 
additional  Missionaries  us  the  funds  will  bear.* 

Resolved,  that  the  salary  of  the  Missi  s t;ri#s  be  forty  dollars  per  month. 


* Should  all  the  sessionary  appointments  already  made,  be  fulfilled,  and  the 
several  Presbyteries  avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  granted,  the  expense,  at 
forty  dollars  per  mouth,  will  amount  to  four  thousand,  four  hundred,  and  ten 
dollars. 

Since  the  rising  of  the  Assembly,  the  Rev.  James  W.  Thompson  has  been  ap- 
pointed, for  three  months,  in  North  Carolina.  He  is  to  commence  his  route  ar 
Ncwbern. 


